Billy Hunter Says NBPA Decertification Still "Pretty Far Off"

NPBA Exec Dir Billy Hunter yesterday said that the union "had discussed decertification but that it was 'pretty far off,'" according to Chris Mannix of SI.com. Hunter: "Decertification is just one of the options that the union would have in the event of a protracted lockout, that's all. When you look at what your options are, you've got to look at everything and so it's just one of the things we may have to contemplate. But it's pretty far off. It's nothing immediate." Hunter said that he "expects to meet with representatives from the league early next month and indicated that he should have a better idea as to the feasibility of a new deal over All-Star weekend in Los Angeles in February, when the two sides are expected to have extensive discussions." However, he added that with "so many players and owners present during the All-Star festivities, it makes things 'pretty difficult to negotiate'" (SI.com, 12/14).

ROCK THE VOTE: In N.Y., Jonathan Abrams noted teams started voting on decertification this week, and the Knicks were "scheduled to vote after Tuesday's practice" (NYTIMES.com, 12/14). In L.A., Elliott Teaford notes the Lakers are "tentatively scheduled to meet" tomorrow in Philadelphia to discuss decertification. Lakers G and NBPA President Derek Fisher said, "As far as I'm concerned, we're still focused on getting a fair deal done. That's what our focus is, but we have a responsibility to cover all available options with our players. That's an available option. It's mostly about preparing ourselves about what may come. There hasn't been any final decision on our part as far as that's something we're definitely going to do" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 12/15).